Dwarf Jade No. 23

Dwarf jade (Portulacaria afra) makes an excellent first bonsai, and an unusually forgiving one. Despite the common name, it's not a true jade and not closely related to Crassula ovata. It has smaller leaves, finer branching, and a trunk that thickens faster, all of which make it far better suited to bonsai than the jade most people know as a houseplant. Native to South Africa, where it grows in hot, dry scrubland, dwarf jade stores water in its leaves and trunk. That changes how you care for it. Most bonsai want consistent moisture; this one wants to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common way people lose them. Give it as much direct light as you can. The brighter the spot, the smaller the leaves and the tighter the growth. Potted in a 6" unglazed container. Keep it above 40F and bring it in before a frost. It will happily spend spring through fall outdoors in the Lowcountry. It's a species that rewards a light hand. If you've killed a plant by caring too much, this is the one to try next. Scientific Name Portulacaria afra Height 10" Container 6" Unglazed Rectangle Watering Water moderately during the summer, allowing the soil to dry out some between waterings. During the winter months, water every few weeks. Repotting Every other year in the spring. Pruning Prune as necessary during the growing season. At the end of the growing season, prune back to one to two pairs of leaves. Note that the Dwarf Jade holds a lot of water in its leaves, so try to avoid watering just prior to heavy pruning.